ABOUT
Creating a focused, determined & prepared dancer who is ready to pursue their dreams.
Our mission is to provide quality dance instruction with an emphasis on discipline, self-esteem, and FUN! We want you to think of dance class as an investment in your child's education and personal development.
To The Pointe Academy of Dance in Thibodaux prides itself in offering the best technical training in the art of dance. We fully embrace the challenge and creativity that dance brings, motivating ourselves & encouraging our students to constantly seek out & learn all there is to know about the ever-changing world of dance. We want our students to be as passionate about dance as we are, which is why we offer a learning environment full of fun without compromising the technical aspects of dance. We believe that dance is an expression of emotion & try to incorporate this in our lessons. Originality & artistic expression is an integral part of our choreography & we share this way of thinking with our students.
MEET OUR DANCE FACULTY
Owner/Instructor
NIKKI FREEMAN
Nikki started dancing at the age of 2 at Margo Battaglia’s Studio of Danse. At the age of 5, she began a serious study of classical ballet. With an advanced technique in the art of ballet, she received her first pair of pointe shoes at the age of 6. Nikki continued her study of dance and not only performed in dance recitals, but also Christmas and Easter shows in the community, the Parade of Talent, and various dance competitions. At the age of 9, she performed a first-place solo at 2 different competitions. As she progressed in dancing, she also began to show an interest in jazz. She was a part of the E.D.White Cardinalettes for 3 years. In 2000, she was named an American All Star and took a trip to London, England to perform at the Millennium Dome. In the summer of 2001, she again was named an All Star for the Universal Dance Association. She has taught at Margo Battaglia’s Studio of Danse and has also been a choreographer and summer camp instructor for Evergreen Jr. High dance team, and has choreographed for various dance teams in the area. Nikki enjoys teaching and choreographing for all her amazing students and getting to know their families.
Owner/Instructor
ALLISON VERZWYVELT
Allison has been a dancer since she was 2 years old. She has studied classical ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary at Margo Battaglia’s Studio of Danse located in Thibodaux. She has performed in dance recitals, Christmas and Easter shows in the community, various dance competitions, and the Parade of Talent. Allison’s love of dance has given her the opportunity to be on the Nicholls State Dance Team, the Colonelettes, for four years and Colonelette captain for one year. She has had the opportunity from 2004-2005 to be a part of the Houma NIFL Bayou Bucks dance team, the Bayou Belles. She has taught dance at local studios around the Thibodaux - Houma area. Allison has taught for many summer organizations such as, O.N.E. Chain, the Talented and Gifted program at Nicholls, and Ready, Set, Dance camp at Nicholls. She has choreographed for dance teams in the Houma - Thibodaux area such as Houma Jr. High, Evergreen Jr. High, and Thibodaux High School. Allison has choreographed over 4 musical revues for South Louisiana Casting and Production Company located in Houma. Allison has a bachelor degree in art, from Nicholls State University. She majored in graphic design and designs for To The Pointe. She absolutely loves teaching dance and loves getting to know everyone who walks into her studio.
Instructor
MEAH BADEAUX
Meah has danced all of her life, but it was at a very young age that she knew she wanted to pursue a career in dance! When graduating from Riverside Academy, she decided to stay close to her family and became a dance major at the University of Louisiana. Meah was a member of their nationally ranked Ragin’ Jazz dance team. She was also an American All-Star staff member and quickly learned that teaching dance was what she was truly meant to do. Meah taught at two prominent dance studios in Lafayette during that time. After college, she traveled the country teaching technique and choreography to many different teams in many different states. She then began coaching dance teams in the River Parishes. Meah is well known for her cleaning and precision of dances and was sought out by many because of this! She took a break from teaching when starting her family. Meah’s daughter began dancing competitively, and she chose to enjoy that time being solely her Mom. Their journey led them to TTP. Meah is so excited to share her talent, knowledge, and love for dance with her students!
Instructor
REAGAN LOMBARD
Info coming soon.
Instructor
GIULIANNA CHINCHILLA
Giulianna grew up dancing in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, where she trained with the New Orleans Ballet Theater and competed for 10 years with Lauren Fenerty's Dance Factory.
She continued her dance journey as a collegiate dancer at Nicholls State University for three years and she is so excited to bring her passion and love of dance to TTP!
Instructor
ALLIE LEDET
Allie is a recent graduate of EDWhite Catholic High School, where she had an amazing time as a member of the cheer squad for all four years. Dance has been a significant part of her life for the past 13 years and she spent 8 of those years competing with contemporary being her favorite style.
She is attending Nicholls State University and majoring in nursing. She hopes to combine her passion for helping others with her dedication to learning. She is excited to continue her dance journey teaching others what she is so passionate about!
Acrobatics Instructor
MARLO BARBERA
Marlo started dancing at the age of 4 with Claudette Davis. She studied classical ballet, tap, jazz and later on hip hop. She continued to take classes recreationally throughout her childhood. She was a varsity cheerleader throughout high school and attended the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida to perform in the half-time show. She continued taking dance classes throughout college. She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority for 4 years. While a member she choreographed and helped create their song fest numbers. Marlo has been volunteering her time assisting our acrobatics/strength and conditioning classes for 2 years now. She recently became employed by TTP in September teaching our competition team and recreational classes. Marlo takes online courses in acrobatics and strength training with CLI Studios. She is certified in acrobatics through the Acrobatic Arts Company. Also, she has played a part in helping her daughter over the past 7 years through her competition and training, spending countless hours in classes with professional dancers.
Marlo has a bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a certification in Pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. While teaching at West Thibodaux she was the cheer moderator. She has been an educator for 20 years. Most recently she began teaching online ESL classes. Marlo’s greatest joy is seeing the growth of her students no matter what the lesson is, whether it be science or dance. She takes pride in her work and puts the children’s needs and safety first and foremost. Marlo is excited to be part of the team and looks forward to getting back in the studio to train.
Instructor/Secretary
ASHTON DUGAS
Ashton started dancing at 2 years old at Margo Battaglia’s Studio of Danse where she fell in love with the art. For 9 years, she took classes in ballet, tap, and jazz. In 2007, Ashton began dancing with Nikki and Allison at To the Pointe. There she was trained in technique, classical ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. Ashton was challenged in all genres, pushing her out of her comfort zones. This aided in her journey as a Dancing Fillie on the Assumption High School’s dance team where she served as Captain her senior year. Ashton was chosen as an American All-Star all four years of high school, and she had the opportunity to dance at New Orleans Saints football games. During this time, Ashton was helping as a protege in a variety of classes at To the Pointe. She later became a teacher assistant while studying Psychology and Humanities at Nicholls State University. She has been teaching for TTP for over 10 years.
This year she is planning to pop in and out of classes when she is in town. If she isn't teaching she is working behind the scenes to help the studio run as smoothly as possible. Ashton loves teaching students of all ages and enjoys getting to know their families.